Periodontics

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease of the gums and jawbone. Periodontists have finished several additional years of schooling after graduating from dental school. They specialize in improving the look, health, and function of your gums and jawbone.

Reasons for periodontal treatment

The first signs of periodontal disease begin with gum inflammation, commonly known as gingivitis. If periodontal disease is present, you may notice painful, red, swollen or bleeding gums. This is a serious condition and is the number one reason for tooth loss. Regular dental visits are crucial in treating periodontal disease since many signs go unnoticed.

Bacteria left from excess food can eventually turn into plaque build-up, causing an infection. This can progressively turn into periodontal disease. Infections in the gums can also be extremely painful.

Common symptoms associated with gum disease include:

Moderate/advanced gum disease – You may notice bleeding or swollen gums that are more red in color than usual. Your jawbone will also begin to retreat.

Localized gum recession – Retreating gums are often due to rough brushing or a misaligned tooth. We recommend a soft bristled brush since it’s more gentle on your gums. Seek help from a prosthodontist as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms.

Other common treatments performed by a periodontist include:

Crown Lengthening – For individuals with gum-heavy smiles, a prosthodontist can take off some excess gum to show more of your tooth.

Ridge Augmentation – This is also known as recontouring and can improve the look of your gum line. Your periodontist will treat existing conditions such as infections or periodontitis before starting treatment.

With minor periodontal cases, we’ll give you proper instructions on how to take better care of teeth and gums. Together we’ll determine an oral hygiene routine that may halt the progression of periodontal disease.

In more severe cases, we will use a more advanced cleaning treatment. Depending on the state of your periodontal disease, we may extract teeth that are beyond saving. If this is the case, we can install dental implants to help your mouth function like normal.

Regular visits to the dentist are essential in catching periodontal disease before it progresses. Make sure you’re taking good care of your teeth by brushing two times a day and flossing once with ADA certified products.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above or would like to know more about periodontal disease, call us today at (714) 881-5500.